Make a move…

My colleague Andy has found out the latest research that prove it's not just us that big-up New Zealand!

The ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ is internationally renowned as a site of extraordinary beauty and home to friendly locals, and it looks like the British are catching on. In a recent survey of worldwide British ex-pats, New Zealand came out as the best destination for any prospective movers.

Leaving the M25 for uncluttered coastal roads, and swapping endless miserable winters for t-shirts all year round (let's assume they've moved to the North Island), British émigrés in New Zealand enjoy the beautiful scenery and the charming hospitality of Kiwis all year round. If you want to see what all the fuss is about or maybe scout for your next home the answer is simple - plan your own trip to this amazing country. Enjoy driving the Pacific Coast Highway, chilling out in the Bay of Islands or indulge in a relaxing drink in Auckland’s glorious harbour.

Absolutely Wizard!

In the recent Queen's Honours List one of New Zealand's most eccentric characters, The Wizard was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services to the community. These 'services' are hardly typical including casting spells for his province's rugby team (important), performing rain dances (useful) and entertaining visitors to Christchurch with elaborate orations in the main square (er, most entertaining).

The Wizard, which is his legal name by the way, was for many years an iconic tourist attraction in Christchurch's Catherdral Square where he used to appear daily as a soap box orator. Dressed in a wizard's robe and hat he would mount his step ladder in the middle of the square and proffer his views on life, politics and, well, just about everything else to all who would care to listen (and indeed those who did not).

Back on my first visit to Christchurch I happened across one of these public orations and joined an amused group of onlookers as The Wizard enlightened us on topics we didn't realise we didn't know. It was totally random, but quite entertaining and as with most 'street performance' you witness as a tourist, it was totally compelling.

Though now he is pretty much retired, it would seem that he makes occasional appearances in Christchurch during the summer months (theirs not ours), so listen out for him on a sunny day as you stroll through Cathedral Square.

Weird & Wonderful in Wanaka

Sometimes it's rather nice amidst a brilliant, but full-on holiday, to throw something normal into the mix - like going to the cinema perhaps. Well, in NZ there's nowhere quite like Wanaka for adding a different twist to a regular outing.

Cinema Paridiso, as it's delightfully named, is a small but very charming theatre in the heart of the picturesque Southern Lakes region. OK, so being in such glorious surroundings you may think going to the cinema is a waste of time, but this is no ordinary cinema. What's special about Paradiso apart from the very chilled out atmosphere is the quirky seating. Not only can sink into a sofa and munch on a slice of pizza and beer, but a you can also opt to watch your chosen film from the 'comfort' of a Morris Minor. You can't deny it's different.

Located on Ardmore Street in downtown Wanaka, with hot meals available before, during or after the movie plus homemade icecream and hot cookies for the intermission, if you have the time, check this place out.

Personally, I think they do cinemas rather well in New Zealand. It was particularly taken by the comfort of Reading Cinemas Regency Cinelounge in Wellington (and all over NZ). Laz-e-boy reclining armchairs and food delivered to your seat made for a more satisfactory experience than at my local Odeon. I've also a soft spot for the Regent on Worcester in Christchurch - a great place to catch the latest New Zealand releases.

Wishing for a warm Christmas

I have yet to experience Christmas in the warmer climes of the southern hemisphere, although to do so is firmly in my plans for the future. I mean, there are just so many options...

If you've family or friends to visit you may simply be able to enjoy a traditional roast turkey will all the trimmings followed by the unusual bonus of a post-lunch swim in the sea or spot of sunbathing. The meal may take on more of a kiwi slant with a BBQ on the beach or cold meats accompanying pavlova on the terrace. If the sun is shining, who needs Christmas pud?!

For independent travellers, Christmas is really the perfect excuse to stay in one of New Zealand's idyllic lodges and really relax. Amidst a gloriously scenic setting, let someone else prepare an 'out of this world' dining experience as you simply chill out and indulge.

Of course, you could choose to treat the day like any other day and let the magnificence of the New Zealand scenery transport you into a world far from sleigh bells and tinsel. On a self drive holiday you can head off to find a quiet spot and many activities and attractions are open even on Christmas day. 

Finally, it's not such a bad time of year to actually set off on your New Zealand adventure, especially if the idea of repeating the same old Christmas arrangements just doesn't appeal. Embarking on overseas travel really does have a way of kicking off the new year well. A couple of years ago I travelled to NZ on New Year's Day and I can sincerely say that it was the best start to a year imaginable.

If you plan to visit New Zealand next Christmas, take a tip and book early to make sure you get exactly what you want. It'll be worth it!

So whether it is white or warm, I wish you all a very a merry Christmas.

Vertical Limits in Dunedin

Dunedin is New Zealand’s southernmost city and is known for its Scottish heritage, interesting architecture, having the oldest university in New Zealand, abundant pubs and cafes and a proximity to the Otago Peninsula (great for wildlife). This fascinating city can also lay claim to having the steepest street in the world!

Baldwin Street is the name and steep it most certainly is at 1:2.86. I’m guessing the local kids don’t play too many ball games. Either that or possibly their catching skills are second to none!

The annual Baldwin Street Gutbuster is part of our Dunedin Summer Festival programme and challenges particpants to test their fitness levels by running from bottom to top and back again. Seriously… only in New Zealand!!

This particular street proved of great interest to my Dad when he travelled to NZ a few years ago. Why? Because he’s a cyclist and was keen to test the theory that it’s too steep to cycle up. I'm still waiting for the outcome though, since never one to take the simple option, he hired a penny farthing for some cycling fun instead of the more conventional mountain bike. Funnily enough the owners were a little reluctant that their museum piece be used in such a way. There’s Kiwi blood pumping through his veins I’ve no doubt…

Winter Wonderland

Winter really kicks off in New Zealand next week with the start of the 33rd Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival, (22 June – 1 July) which “is one of the largest such festivals in the world and in recent years has become known as ‘The Southern Hemisphere’s Ultimate Winter Party””. Now I like the sound of that!

In true kiwi style this is an all out extravaganza celebrating Queenstown and the winter season with more than 60 free and ticketed events being held over 10 days. Starting with the Lindauer (there’s that nice word again!) Party in the Park – music, food and fireworks – my pick of some of the other events include: Frisbee Golf Winter Doubles Tournament, the American Express Comedy Debate, which “brings together some of the biggest names in New Zealand entertainment to argue if Queenstown is more Auckland than Auckland”, Speights Dog Derby involving standard downhill racing followed by a bark-off and Coronet Peak Night Skiing, which doesn’t involve any silliness whatsoever… yeah right!

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘BIG’ and promises “…to rock New Zealand’s favourite party town from June 22 to July 1 with the biggest and best winter celebration there is”. I’m packing as I type…

Snack Time

Our General Manager, Kieran had just returned from NZ where amongst other things he’s been indulging in some of the country’s finest food offerings. Delectable hors d’oeuves, mouth watering lamb dishes and delicate deserts…. As he recounted some of the exquisite taste sensations he’d encountered in the last few weeks I couldn’t help but think about my own NZ food experiences and things that I miss…

Cheezels, Fantales, Tomato Munchos and ‘Pams Food’ items! (OK, so I don’t really miss the latter, but there is something quite amusing about reaching across the breakfast table for a pot of jam with your name on, or cornflakes, or bread…it’s the small things after all!)
 

For those who have travelled or lived there, New Zealand is well known for its range and quality of food. Fine dining is available everywhere, from fresh ‘fush ‘n’ chups’ to gourmet dishes served up as standard at the luxury lodges. Still its funny how when I quizzed other members of our team on what they missed most food wise about NZ, the answers were mostly for less exotic items. L&P lemon drink, Pineapple Lumps and of course meat pies.

Location, Location

I was watching Eragon on DVD the other night marvelling at the landscapes used for the filming and yet wondering why New Zealand was not used as the location. I mean, everybody knows that there's nowhere better for filming fantasy epics involving wizards and elves and good versus evil! Which got me to thinking...what can film fans expect from next from NZ?

Well, staying in the world of fantasy, Prince Caspian the next (published) story in the Chronicles of Narnia series started filming in NZ in February. LOTR this may not be, but any excuse for sword play. In a similar vein, the current offering in cinemas, 'Bridge to Terabithia', was filmed in and around Auckland and is supposed to be a jolly fine family film. Finally, back in the real world, albeit in the past, and Peter Jackson's remake of 'Dambusters' is in production for release next year and is due to be filmed largely in Wellington. The original was such a classic I can't wait to see how the film is updated for modern audiences.

I get a buzz from watching New Zealand feature in films, but that doesn't compare to how I felt seeing the film locations for real. Pretending to fight off orcs on the full day TranzAlpine Experience was great, but visiting the towns and villages of the East Cape as featured on our 'Whale Rider' self drive tour was incredible. Next time I'm heading to Taranaki for 'The Last Samurai' flashbacks.

On a side note for fans of the genre I would definitely recommend Eragon. It's a fun romp and I look forward to the next instalment...should there be one. By the way, it was filmed in Hungary, though Weta Digital (based in Wellington and founded by Peter Jackson) was responsible for the special effects.

The First

OK, we’re back! The first New Zealand blog since Rhiannon moved on to pastures new. So from now on, instead of the insider viewpoint, you’ll be getting ramblings from a Brit with a passion for all that New Zealand has to offer (unless of course we talking rugby and England are playing nearby).

I’ve now been working with our New Zealand holidays for nearly 6 years and I sometimes have to remind myself that I’ve only travelled there twice – once as a backpacker in the 90’s and then again recently when my friend’s wedding provided the perfect excuse for a holiday. After all, it would have been impolite not to attend! When I think about it I’ve actually been selling NZ for far longer than 6 years. As soon as I returned home from my first trip I couldn’t stop telling everyone to visit. ‘What was not to like?’  ‘You simply can’t have a bad time’. I haven’t stopped since…

In my backpacker days I didn’t know a great deal about the country before I travelled there, but I felt an instant affinity with the place and fell deeply for the fertile valleys of the northern north island after 3 months working in Australia’s red desert. It was spring time, it was raining and I loved every minute of my 6 weeks.

Obviously it didn’t rain for my entire visit, though spending my first Sunday sitting down watching Eastenders with some fellow backpackers in Paihia, Bay of Islands, while it poured down outside was fairly surreal. Had I really just travelled 12,000 miles?! Then I remembered the fantastic dolphin encounter I had planned for the following day and suddenly I wasn't in Surrey any more.

I have nothing but happy memories of New Zealand and am sure that I’ll recount more of them in future blogs – so watch this space...

New Zealand Christmas Tree

Ahhh, now is about that time when you are starting to think about kai for the Christmas barbie, pulling out your speedos again and dusting off the decorations to embellish the Pohutukawa tree. No, we don't really decorate the Pohutukawa tree but December is its time of year to flourish. The stunning blood red colour of its flower gives the Pohutukawa its unique beauty during this festive season.

The first settlers used pohutukawa blossom to decorate their new homes at Christmas time, think of it as New Zealand's rip off to holly. The settlers were the first to give the shrub its name of Christmas tree, but the name 'Pohutukawa' (Po-hootah-car-wah) is the Maori name meaning 'drenched with mist' or 'splashed with sea spray'. The leaves, bark, nectar and honey from this New Zealand native were also used by the indigenous Maori for many medicinal purposes, back in the day. Nowadays you can just get your fix at Amcal.

The trees are amazingly adaptable and can tolerate extreme coastal conditions, much like the common New Zealander really. They can be found congregating on beaches and coastline in the North Island of Aotearoa, much like the enthusiastic tourist.

However, our tree is in danger of being eaten. The possum, introduced from Australia, has damaged the Pohutukawa population, but the Kiwis have, of course, taken action. Project Crimson is the charitable trust which has been set up to protect the endangered species, along with its cousin the Rata. The funded conservation project encourages the growth and plantation of these trees throughout the nation, and plants up to 30 000 trees a year! There will be a tree for every sheep in no time!